Identity Theft Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 3

identity Theft - Essay ExampleIdentity theft victimizes nearly 10 million Americans each year and costs businesses and individuals an estimated $53 billion (Crosby, 2005). A individuals identity can be stolen either in the real world or in the digital world (online).Although many would believe the digital world is the nigh common head that a persons identity is stolen this is not true. The most common place that a persons identity is stolen is in the real world when their wallet, checkbook or credit card is lost or stolen. The internet always grabs the headlines, but it is individuals who are close to the victims, such as family and friends, that are doing most of the crimes (Lai, 2006). cordial Security number are at the heart of the issue because it is our sole code for identity. Its very easy to adjudge Social Security numbers. Non-Social Security Administration uses of Social Security numbers have not been prohibited, so Social Security numbers are used as appellation and account numbers by many entities (Walsh, 2004). Counterfeit Social Security numbers are on the rise because the Social Security number is the national identifier and it gives individuals a reason to use it for illegal purposes. Stolen Social Security numbers have been used to establish credit, gain employment, hide identity to commit crimes obtain benefits and services. Thieves will attempt to get information on their potence victims in many different ways. They may steal your bank statements or pre-approved credit card applications out of your mailbox or they may do what is known as dumpster diving which is when the thief will go throw your garbage to look for potential information with your identification on it. The most difficult type of identity theft is fraudulent accounts creation opened in a persons name. It takes an average of 152 days for victims to find out